TALKS WITH JAPAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 August 1939, Page 8

TALKS WITH JAPAN

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S VIEW AGREEMENT IN SIGHT ON SOME POINTS. EFFECT OF DENUNCIATION OF TREATY. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, August 4. In his statement in the House of Commons on the Far Eastern position, the Prime Minister (Mr N. Chamberlain) said it did not look as though we would have much difficulty in coming io an agreement with the Japanese on some parts of the difficul'ties in Tientsin. Those conducting the negotiations on behalf of Japan in Tokio were by no means so extreme as many Japanese in China were found to lie. It was recognised that behind the question of the currency was the larger question of China’s ability to carry on the war successfully. The Government had not gone back on its position regarding aggressors. in China, but there was nothing in any obligation undertaken requiring Britain to denounce her trade treaty with Japan. In any event, denouncement would not have immediate effect. The Japanese treaty was bound up with Japan’s treaties with the Dominions. It would be outrageous on Britain’s part to shut her eyes to the effect the denunciation of the treaty might have, or to act without consulting the Dominions concerned. PRESS COMMENT NEED OF MORE RESOLUTE STAND. CRITICISM OF PREMIER. (Received This Day, 12.55 p.m.) LONDON, August 4. “The Times,” in a leader, says England shares Mr Chamberlain’s indignation towards Japan. Japanese militarists must not be allowed to capitalise misrepresentations of British policy. The “News-Chronicle,” in a leader detects an unexpected resolution in Mr Chamberlain’s resistance to Japanese pretensions, but adds that Mr Chamberlain gave no satisfactory reason for not emulating America’s denunciation of the trade treaty, though this would have a tremendous moral effect.

The “Daily Herald” comments: “Blood boils,” and adds: “So does ours. It boils the more when we reflect that what is happening is mostly the fault of Mr Chamberlain and his friends, whose'policy in 1937 and 1938 was compounded of vacuous optimism and sympathy for the aggressor, but grim experience has now taught Mr Chamberlain some measure of realism.”

The “Herald” says Britain can still co-operate with the United States, consult the Dominions regarding the best use of economic power and refuse to become Japan's accomplice in China.